Families hospitalized after food poisoning in Cape Verde resort
- Several families experienced food poisoning during their stay at a Cape Verde hotel in June 2024.
- Affected individuals had severe symptoms, including diarrhoea and fever, leading some to require hospitalisation.
- This situation has raised concerns about food safety and hygiene practices at the resort.
In June 2024, numerous families reported severe health issues associated with their stay at a hotel in Cape Verde, an island nation off the coast of Africa. Liam, accompanied by his wife Katie and six-year-old daughter Emilia, shared their distressing experience after they had eagerly anticipated their vacation. Almost immediately after arriving, Liam fell ill, suffering from extreme diarrhoea and symptoms that escalated to hospitalisation upon his return to the UK. He was diagnosed with E.Coli and shigella, shocking him and indicating the seriousness of the situation. Liam noted concerns about the hotel's food service, stating that visible reheating and improper food handling practices were prevalent during their stay. Another family, consisting of Shaela, Mischa, and Gina, also faced dire health challenges. Within days into their holiday, they experienced symptoms of vomiting, diarrhoea, and fever. Gina revealed the unsanitary conditions they encountered, including undercooked food and dirty cutlery. The family's illness persisted well beyond their return, leading to medical consultations that indicated the severity of their health problems. They were advised to seek treatment upon arriving back in the UK. The hotel’s hygiene issues were profound, with overflowing toilets and insufficient cleanliness in food areas exacerbating their conditions. Many affected families were frustrated, expressing concerns not only for their own health but for future guests as well. They were particularly disturbed by the lack of proper health facilities in Cape Verde and felt compelled to raise awareness for improvements to prevent such incidents in the future. Overall, this dreadful situation of food poisoning has highlighted critical safety and hygiene issues within the hospitality industry in Cape Verde, calling for immediate attention to avoid similar occurrences. The collective experiences of those affected underscore the necessity for regulatory oversight in such tourist destinations.